Tuesday Twelve

1. We started the morning at the dentist's office, Little Miss had a 6 month check up.  No cavities, teeth and gums look great.  We still have the issue with the membrane between her lip and upper gums being too long, but we'll wait another year before deciding if it has to be clipped.  She went back all by herself and did a great job.  The dentist and hygenist gushed about how good and cute she was.  Proud mommy moment.

2.  I made veggie/chicken enchiladas last night, without a recipe.  They had lots of different veggies, were relatively low in fat since I used 2% cheese and nonfat sour cream in small quantities and served red grapes on the side.  Everyone ate them and loved them.  Proud domestic moment.

3.  The Mister had a guys poker night last weekend.  He cleaned the house while I cooked for the guys.  One of them sent me a message a day later telling me how good the food was and thanking me for taking care of them.  Another proud domestic moment.

4.  I now weigh less than I have since I got pregnant with our Little Miss.  That's two pregnancies and almost 5 years ago.  Proud self moment.

5.  Still have 10 to go before I hit pre IVF weight and another 5-10 after that.  Hopefully the next 15 don't take as long to get off as the last 15 did.

6.  I spent yesterday trying to get organized.  I have about 6 notebooks, all with lists for different things.  Yesterday I put all those together in one binder.  I'm following the lead of my organizing guru/awesome friend Jacy and hoping it helps with my productivity.

7.  Just had the last sip of a Skinny Caramel Macchiato  that was purchased with a gift card from Christmas.  I love cards gifts like that, they make me think of the giver each time I use them, and I get to splurge on a small treat with no guilt.

8.  I feel our life changing.  We're slowly leaving the land of baby.  We had gorgeous weather this past weekend and all three kids played outside for most of the day.  We checked on them periodically, and Big Brother was given strict instructions about staying in the yard and watching his siblings...and it went well!   Wow!

9.  I love blogs.  I have about 100 of them bookmarked.  Maybe more.  I could loose hours perusing diy, home decor, friend and craft blogs.  Had to put the smack down on myself.  I miss reading all the blogs and seeing the amazing ideas and things people have done in their homes, but it feels good to back away a bit.  There, now you all know my dirty little secret.  "Hello, I'm Chandra and I'm addicted to blogs."

10.  Have I mentioned that we recently set up Skype?  The kids are loving that they get to see some of their grandparents when they talk to them.  We don't love it quite as much because their grandparents get to see them acting like fools every time we talk.  For some reason Skype brings out the wild and crazy in our kiddos.  Hoping that will mellow in time.

11.  Trying to decide if I'm going to dive into our taxes this afternoon.  Looking forward to the refund, since we bought a house and will get a tax credit.

12.  Whew, finally made it to twelve.  It was a struggle today!

Responsibility? What's that?

I blew off responsibility and have been playing in my house all day.  Moving furniture, hanging pictures, crafting and figuring out my ottoman slip cover.  Makenna colored on walls again yesterday (yes, she just got crayons back at Christmas, the girl doesn't learn) so she's been in her room all day.  Her punishment was to clean her room by herself.  She might be there until next week at the rate she's going.  Eli has been my little helper, only making small messes and now napping.  Ryan's home from school and with the first nice day we've had in some time, he's out with his best buddies...his basketball and hoop in the driveway.  Kids have been good, I've been doing things I love and to top it off my secret sister dropped off a couple CD's for me.  I love music and love getting music.  This has been such a great day.  This is the kind of day that makes me never want to work for pay again.  Guess I'd better come out of the clouds and get to my list of chores though, otherwise the one who does make the money will come home and wonder what I've been doing all day.

It feels good to blow off responsibility once in awhile.

Thankful Thursday

Yesterday was rough.  I was in a mood due to another snow day, but only for two of the three kiddos.  Silly to be in such a foul mood about a snow day, but I have such limited time without kids that I really look forward to those days.    The kids picked up on my mood and it put all of them in moods.  The two year old was a pill all day.  He wasn't listening, yelled at me frequently, was in time out numerous times for poor behavior, etc, ect.  I was really, really ready for my night out with friends by 5pm.  When The Mister walked in, I was out the door with barely a kiss for any of them.  While Daddy was cooking dinner, cleaning up the kitchen and entertaining our kids, I was at a beer and bubbly tasting with some great girlfriends.  We had a great night.  Lots of laughs, good food, good drinks, great conversation and some funny memories.  I woke up this morning feeling so refreshed.  When we got to school, the boy remembered he needed his report card signed.  The report card that was sitting on the kitchen counter next to his backpack, that he also needed.  Yesterday that would have pushed me over the edge and I would have yelled.  Today we talked about responsibility and the consequences of not being responsible, and later I dropped the backpack at school with a little love note for my boy.  After dropping Ryan, we came home to have breakfast, take baths, make snacks and get out the door for the little man's photo shoot.  Yesterday we would have been late.  I would have tried to fit other things into the morning and wouldn't have been patient with the kids.  Today, I didn't deal with anything but getting us all ready, which included lots of fun in the bath, lots of giving choices to E to help with his independent streak and allowing him the time to decide and do things himself.  We were out the door with plenty of time to spare and arrived happy at the photo shoot.  The shoot went great and then we ran a quick errand before heading home.  The kids have now been playing, without fighting and by themselves, for over an hour.

I am so thankful for Thursday.  For a husband who understands I need time away and allows me to take it without adding to my mommy guilt.  For kids who forgive me when I've been a mean mommy and love me just as much as they always have.  For  great friends whom I enjoy spending time with.  For a better mood today and for my ability to make those around me be in a better mood too.

I spent Saturday night with some gorgeous grey felt, a foam ring and my glue gun.  (I really need to get better at moving the clutter before I take a picture...blush.)

Just getting started!

Under the Table and Dreaming posted a faux rosewood wreath that was made with a recycled book.  Loved it but thought I'd try it with felt, since I'd already made a wreath using pages of a book for my mantle.  Besides, I've been wanting to make something with felt for quite awhile, to me it says warm and cozy which is exactly what I need at this time of year.

I made a pattern for a couple different sizes of flowers but before long I was just winging it.  Like snowflakes, no two flowers are the same and I like it that way!

One accent flower made of white paper for contrast in texture and color, and wah-laa, all done!  I say wah-laa, like it only took a hour to make.  It took a few more than that, but I love it.  The Mister and kids do too.  The oldest said, "You're like the best at making stuff, Mom."  Sweet boy.

Opinions requested.  Do you like the accent flower?  Should I have gone all grey?  That white one isn't glued into place yet, still deciding so I appreciate feedback.

*Please excuse the poor photos.  One of these days I'll replace my POS camera and get something that will take a picture worth posting.  In the meantime, you get photos from my iPhone.  Sorry peeps.

Another First

 Someone got his first haircut!  It happened on his birthday and wasn't planned.  I was brushing his hair and he had all sorts of tangles in the back.  Rather than let me get them out he kept running away and fighting off my attempts.  Rather than battle with him, I decided it was time to cut.  Imagine a wiggly two year old and a frustrated momma with a pair of scissors and not much time for each cut.  It was a hack job.  Surprisingly, it doesn't look too bad.  The curls hide a multitude of sins in the haircut department.

He's still cute...duh... and still has curls, however, the ringlets are gone.  Don't know if they'll come back with the humidity this summer or if they're gone for good.  He looks older.  My baby is indeed growing into a kid.  Now I just have to make myself throw away the pile of golden curls.  *Sniff*

Guess Who's Two!!!

Eli, that's who!!!  Here he is the day he was born.  All the nurses oh'd and ah'd (those are words, right?) about how cute he was.  We, of course, completely agreed with them and were smitten from the minute we laid eyes on our little boy.

And here he is, at almost two.  I know all kids are beautiful, especially to their parents, but this little guy has a smile that lights up his face and the room.  He's full of mischief, but his eyes twinkle with the fun of it all.  We call him Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde because his mood can change on a whim, but it also means that we can usually make him laugh or giggle and forget about whatever was causing the issue.  His favorite people include mommy, daddy, Yiyan , Na and Jace.  His favorite toys are books, books and more books.  He also likes to color with his sister, play with his little people bus and airplane and play babies or dress up or whatever Makenna puts him up to.  He's full of opinions and is talking more and more every day, so we're getting a better understanding of what those opinions are with a few less tears of frustration.  His and mine.  He loves granola bars, yogurt, cheese, apples, cereal, peas, milk and juice.  Depending on the day, he also loves stir fry, chili, scrambled eggs with veggies and salsa, hummus, carrots and peppers.

 Here we are two years ago.

 And here we are just a few weeks ago.

 Such a sweet baby.  Such a sweet toddler.  I can't imagine life without his grin, curls, spirit, excitement, laughter, and the best cuddles.  Seriously, the kid gives the best hugs a Mommy could ask for.  His last words at night are "Love you too, Mommy.",  whether I have said it yet or not.  I wish I could get his sweet words recorded, they melt my heart every. single. night.

Happy Birthday to my baby.  The child who isn't a baby anymore, but now a toddler.  The last two years have flown by and I'm sure the next number of years will fly by just as quickly.  So, for now, I cherish the sweet moments and the lingering baby because I don't know how long those cuddles will last.

Tuesday Twelve

1.  Yesterday was supposed to be the kids first day back at school after winter break.  Instead we had a snow day and another one today.

We made a snowman the size of E and still had snow left to play in!

Makenna had fun making snow Angels

Eli playing in the biggest snow he's ever seen.

While Ryan threw snowballs!

We knew it was time to go in for lunch when Little Miss ate the nose off our Snowman!

2.  Our dining room, which we've rarely used for an actual meal, is about to become our office/craft room.  I am soooo excited for the transformation to begin!  I'm glad The Mister rolls with my ideas and doesn't give me too much grief.  Now to scour Craigs List and the local Goodwill and Thrift stores for a desk and crafting table.

3.  E is going to be a baby model later this week.  He's doing a print ad for a local kids clothing store.  Fingers crossed that he cooperates and my fab friend Kate gets some good shots for the store.

4.  I have errands that have to be run today.  Getting out on icy roads with three kiddos in tow doesn't sound like fun.  What to do...

5.  The Mister and kids want a dog.  I miss our pup, Jake, and would like another one someday, but have had a hard rule about  no dogs until all the humans are potty trained.   I've added another rule to the list,  no dogs until we have a fence.  Taking our doggie visitor out when it's snowing and freezing hasn't been fun.

6.  I'm starting a craft show/etsy/facebook business with a couple friends.  I'm so excited about what the months ahead hold.  Hopefully lots of great creations, fun with friends and a few bucks too.

7.  We ran out of coffee this morning, which brings me back to number 4.  No coffee...icy roads.  Hmmm, tough decision.

8.  I went out with a great group of women last Saturday.  We started with sushi, I went for the veggie and cooked rolls.  Tried a few I hadn't tried before and of course the wasabi and sake were delicious.  After dinner, I had to break into a friends house.  Really.  She gave me the code to her garage door but I had to open the door into the house with a credit card.  Glad I brought my girl Tanya along because I couldn't get it open.  T saved the day and we were able to help out a friend in need.  After that we met up with some of the dinner group and did a little bar hopping.  No matter where we went, we all just hung out and chatted.  Lots of laughs, good conversation...Good times with good friends.  

9.  Laundry and cleaning the kitchen are on my agenda today.  Bet you wish you were me right now.

10.  M and E are so sick of each other.  They play together a lot but fight numerous times each day.  I think all of us will be so happy when they finally get to go to preschool for a few hours.  Fingers crossed that day is tomorrow.

11.  My scale has been without batteries for over a month.  I'm afraid to put new in and see what it says.  My clothes still fit, but I'm guessing the 5 pounds I lost have found their way back.  

12.  I got Just Dance for the Wii for Christmas.  We've been playing in the evenings and it's so much fun.  I'm the reigning champ, but the rest of the family is getting pretty good.  I heard the Kinnect has a playback option.  I wish this did, it would be hilarious!

Prayers

I woke up this morning and instantly said a prayer.  A prayer that I would have patience with my kids today.  That I would think before yelling and do a better job of redirecting.  Didn't seem to help.  We've been cooped up in this house for over a week.  Lots of tummy trouble floating around so we've stayed away from friends.  A Stomach bug is not a gift they want from us.  Things are looking up now.  Ryan, who has been healthy for a number of days, has gone to the neighbors house.  E is napping and Little Miss is quietly doing a puzzle.  Time for another prayer.  This time one of thanks for a quiet afternoon even if the morning was rough.

It takes a Village

When we moved here our oldest wasn't quite two.  I was excited about a new adventure!  Terribly sad about leaving friends and family behind, but I knew we'd find friends and have fun creating a life on the other side of the country.  I joined a local moms group the week we arrived and was at a playdate just a day later.  I knew I'd sink into sadness and depression about leaving home if I didn't get out and start meeting people.  That playgroup determined the route my life would take here in TN.  Since that time I've been part of 5 different groups and have had an active leadership role in 4 of the 5.  I don't work outside of the home so that's been a way for me to feel accomplishment and fill some volunteerism needs.  Those women have helped to create my village.  Those women have offered insight, words of encouragement and support, lots of fun nights out, playdates for my kids and I to attend, knowledge about the area, schools, churches, programs and fellowship.

Six months after moving here our best friends moved to the same town.  Since then, their families have both moved here as well.  We don't spend as much time with them anymore, we're in different places in life than we were in CO, but we still love them and spend time with them when we can.  We've also been very blessed to spend most holidays with them and their families.  Our kids feel like they have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins here when we are at those gathering.  They feel like part of a family, which is so important and we are all so lucky to have.  

Between the friends I've made through mom's groups and the friends we've known, we've found a sense of home here.  It's not the same as having blood family close by.  I find it hard to ask for help and only a few people have ever watched our kids.  But the thing is, that's my issue.  In reality, there are so many people who would offer help if I really needed it and asked. 

All this rambling stemmed from this link my SIL posted on facebook this morning.  It talked about the battle between working and SAHM moms, but also about creating a village.  I've been writing this while listening to my friends dog run through the house.  They had to leave town unexpectedly so she dropped the dog off this morning.  So glad I could reduce a little stress for her by watching her dog and I know she would help me at the drop of a hat too...in fact, she has.  I'm so happy to have a village.

ACD, part 4?

 

Another of my favorite crafts from ACD 2010 was these light blocks.  They come as a clear glass block with a hole in the bottom.   We used ink to frost the front and hide the strand of lights inside and then decorated the front and added a bow.  These were given to all the kids teachers, along with our group of friends that are our Tennessee family.  All who received them seemed to love them and I kept one for myself too.  I see lots of these in my future.  Monograms, Valentine themed, night lights, party themed to set on a bar, etc.   

It took a few blocks to get better with the placement of vinyl, but after the first two or so they turned out really cute.  I know I've said it about a million times, but craft day rocks!

Tuesday Twelve

1.  Today is my Dad and Step Mom's Silver Wedding Anniversary!  They seem happier now than they did when they got married.  Twenty five years and better than ever.  That's full of Awesome in my book and definitely something to be celebrated!  My brother and I splurged on a gift certificate for a B&B.  Much deserved by them, hope they have a fabulous time.

2.  We went to see Tangled yesterday for Makenna's birthday.  It was a really cute movie and enjoyed by all.  Even better, it appears we're entering a new chapter in life because Eli sat through the entire thing!

3.  The older two have been hit with a stomach bug that just won't quit.  They seem to have different versions of it, one is puking the other has "pee poop".  REALLY hoping they get better and we get to enjoy the couple days of winter break that are left.

4.  Due to the aforementioned tummy bugs, we had to cancel New Year's Eve plans and a much anticipated date night.  Really bummed that we missed both those things, but we didn't have hangovers on New Year's Day and didn't spend a bunch of money on a babysitter and a dinner out.  Silver Linings.

5.  I found an insulated plastic (BPA free) tumbler with straw on clearance a few days ago.  The kids have taken over my water bottles and I like drinking out of a straw so I bought one.  LOVE it.  I'd fallen off the water wagon, but I think I'm firmly back on again thanks to my new tumbler.

6.  I almost just typed sippy cup instead of tumbler.  Sigh.

7.  Christmas decorations have all come down and I have a new found motivation to decorate.  Surprised?  No, me either.  I have 5 pages of lists regarding the decorating process and this house.  Time to get crackin!

8.  I got a Compound Miter Saw and air compressor for Christmas.  Be still my heart!  I see trim, molding, board and batten and built ins in my future.

9.  Today is The Mister's first real day back at work in two weeks.  He worked a couple days last week but they don't count because most people were out so it wasn't as stressful.  Hoping today isn't as rough on him as I think it might be.

10.  I know people always think it's going to be a good year, but this one feels like it will bring some positive change with it.  I'm looking forward to what the months ahead hold.

11.  Workers have been out clearing a plot of land across the street from us.  With any luck we'll have some new neighbors this year, and fingers crossed they'll have kids similar ages to ours!

12.  The birthday cake in the fridge is calling my name.  Ryan had a piece after lunch and it took all my will power not to have one too.  I had two bites...enough to satisfy the desire at the time, but now I want more.  Sugar and carbs are an evil combination.

Guess who's FOUR!!!!

My baby girl turned four this morning!

Four year ago I was puking my guts out due to a reaction to the pain meds after my c-section.  That combined with a spinal headache made for a rough day.  Four years ago, almost to the minute of me typing this, I held my daughter and breast fed her for the first time since right after coming out of surgery.  I'd felt terrible all day and didn't think I had the energy but my mom suggested I try.  What happened next was a testament to the bond between mom and baby.  I almost instantly started feeling better and Makenna, who'd had a scowl on her face all day, was suddenly peaceful and her little forehead wrinkles disappeared.  What we both needed was each other.

That sweet baby has been my little sidekick ever since.  A momma's girl.  A girly girl who loves dresses, purses, shoes and jewelry.  She loves to read and be read to.  She loves her dolls and barbies and is the best little mommy.  She is so creative and loves to draw and paint.  She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.  She thinks about those around her and honestly cares about how they are each day.  Her teachers tell me constantly how smart, polite and sweet she is.  I know all this.  Yes, I'm partial.  Whatev.  This girl of mine, she makes my heart sing.  Then and now.

This morning she woke up and crawled into bed with us.  She wanted a quick cuddle before the day began.  I wasn't ready to get up, so I pulled her close and hoped she'd go back to sleep.  Then I started thinking about her birth day and my mind went back to that first real cuddle and how many we've shared since then.  My scowl disappeared, I hugged my girl close and she rewarded me with a sweet "Mommy, I love you".  Scowls and forehead wrinkles disappeared and we got up to celebrate her special day.

Happy Birthday, Makenna!  Daddy and I love you so much.

Tuesday Twelve

1.  The last number of days have been filled with fun!  Friday The Mister went out for guys poker night and my friend Jacy came here with her girls for a sleepover.  I think we had as much fun as the kids.  Saturday was Basketball and Ryan had his best game yet.  His team didn't win, but we were so proud of how well Ryan played and thrilled that he had a lot of fun during the game and really shone as a leader on his team.  Saturday night I went to an ornament exchange with my old mom's group.  It was great to see some friends I haven't seen in a number of months and the night went better than anticipated considering there were some hurt feelings when I left.  The best part was seeing my friend Tanya.  She's cutting her hair and going in for a double mastectomy this week.  It felt good to hug her.

2.  Ryan got a surprise invite for a sleepover Saturday night and we didn't see him until Monday afternoon when I picked him up.  We really missed him here, but wow, the house was so mellow.  Crazy that he's old enough to go stay at a friends house for two whole days!

3.  Little Miss has been drawing up a storm lately and her artistic skills are increasing in leaps and bounds.  She went from drawing stick people to drawing flowers, hearts, rainbows and birds almost over night.  Even Ryan has commented on how good her pictures are.

4.  We had our first Skype experience a few days ago.  It was so fun and the kids really enjoyed SEEING their Grandparents and Great Grandma while talking to them.  Now that I realize how neat it is, I'll be encouraging some others to sign up for this free service.

5.  I made cut out sugar cookies from scratch this morning.  That dough is tough to work with!  Ended up with lots of cute stockings, presents, snowmen, snowflakes, Christmas trees, stars and bells.  Even better, all the kids that came over today seemed to have a good time decorating them.  Oh, and the best part, I had the big boy do a taste test between a box mix for sugar cookies that I made last week and the recipe I made this morning.  He thought the 'from scratch' cookie was better.  Yay!

6. The Mister is off work for a week, starting tonight!  I feel like we need to celebrate!  He's been working so hard for so long, I hope he's able to completely unplug for at least a couple days.

7.  I love going to the mailbox this time of year.  It's so much fun getting pictures and seeing how kids have grown over the year or getting cards with letters that share what the person's year held.  I'm always really impressed by the handmade cards, one day I might follow suit.  Maybe.  I'm not the best at keeping in touch, which makes the yearly cards even more precious to me.

8.  E has started taking his diaper off.  I walked into his room this morning to find his pj's on the floor, his diaper next to him in his crib and his onesie around his waist.  We haven't had the poop smeared all over everything experience with him yet but I know it's just a matter of time.  The older two both did it once, wonder how many times my little man will decide to play in the disgusting brown goo.

9.  There were 20 people at my house today, 6 moms and 14 kids.  I was thankful, yet again, for our new house which is so much better for hosting playdates.  I used to hate to host because there just wasn't enough space for kids to play and mom's to not be in the middle of it all.  Now I really enjoy having people over, especially when the kids are all so good and the mom's are so fun to be around.  Playdate at my place...bring it on!  Oh and Barbara, if you're reading this,  I promise not to steal anything from you next time we're together. ;)

10.  I actually got Christmas cards out this year....to most people.  No writing, just pictures, but a big accomplishment, nonetheless.  Christmas cards have been spotty for the last number of years so I'm thrilled to have sent some out.  Next year the list will grow as I compile a few more addresses over the year.

11. I'm enjoying a small piece of Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark as I type this.  (Thank you Craig and Mary!)  If you like Peppermint, dark chocolate and white chocolate, you must try this.  Don't try any of the copy cats, Williams-Sonoma makes the best version, just the right thickness and mix of flavors.   Between this and the white chocolate covered pretzels my MIL sent, the few pounds I've lost are sure to find their way back.

12.  Last but not least, I got a surprise gift that meant so much to me today.  It included something hand made and a small purchased item that I'd mentioned wanting awhile back and promptly forgotten.  My friend heard and remembered.  The hand made item is now proudly displayed on my buffet and the other will be well used.  I'm so blessed to have such sweet and thoughtful friends.  Thanks girl, you're the best!

Busy Busy Busy!

This week has been never ending, yet not nearly long enough.  Every year I think I'll get Christmas stuff done early so I can sit back and enjoy all the events and the spirit of the season and each year I feel behind by the first of December.   And it only gets worse.  The weather here has made things a bit more difficult this week, one snow day and two early release days coupled with 3 kids Christmas parties and I basically lost my last few hours of kid free time.  Thankfully everything is done for school parties and I'm nearing the end of my Christmas shopping and gift making.  A few more parties to look forward too over the next number of days and then some time to sit back and think about the reason for the season, and enjoy the Christmas tree, pine and cinnamon scents floating around the house, candle light, Christmas carols and Christmas goodies my Mother In Law sent.  Yum.  Since we live far from all our relatives, I'm really looking forward to some quality down time with my little family next week.

The desire for family time is exacerbated by wanting to be with and support my extended family right now.  My Aunt's husband passed away yesterday.  He was surrounded by those that loved him and his passing was peaceful.  A blessing, but its never easy to lose someone and I'd think harder at this time of year.   I really feel for my aunt, his children and my cousins.

Back to work.  Still lots to do!

Signs

The changing table I've used with all three kids broke this morning.  Maybe it's a sign that potty training should begin?  He'll be two next month, sits on the potty all the time and tells me when he has a wet diaper.    Unfortunately he still wakes up soaking wet every morning and from every nap.  Don't think we're there yet, but it's coming soon!  It will be bittersweet to not have a baby in the house, but I'm looking forward to the end of diapers.

For the love of books

E had to sit in time out at Mother's Day Out today.  It's the first time he's gotten in trouble at school.  I was mortified when I asked what he'd done, anticipating hitting, pinching or yelling "NO" when asked to do something.  He's done all those things at home, learned those tricks from his older siblings well before he should have.

Thankfully, he wasn't mean to another child or his teacher.  He was, however, mean to an inanimate object.
The boy ripped the flaps out of his favorite book.  He's done it at home too.  More than once.  Sigh.

For a book lover, this is a painful challenge.

Tuesday Twelve

1.  Another friend, another terrible illness.  She has lots of spunk and will to live and a sweet little boy who will encourage her to fight the battle of her life...for her life.  Brain tumor...breast cancer...these women are young, early 30's young.  What's going on with my friends??  Maybe it's Tennessee?  I've already lost a really good friend to Leukemia since moving here, this group of women is too young to have more loss.  Again, if you're the praying kind and have a few spare prayers, Tanya and Margie can use them.

2.  It's been cold here the last few days!  Like below freezing even during the day, cold.  With the cold came a discovery that all my kids need new winter jackets.  I thought the older two would be able to wear theirs another year, bummer.

3.  Along with the cold came snow flurries, which have really helped get me into the Christmas spirit!

4.  My goal is to get all Christmas crafting and shopping completed by the end of this weekend and then shipped Monday.  We'll see if I can make it happen.

5.  E has started talking up a storm.  It's great because he's able to communicate more and is less frustrated. The only sign he continues to use is more, and only when he really wants something.

6.  Even though he's a full on toddler now, there are still remnants of the baby days.  He still loves a good cuddle and loves to rock to the music for a few minutes before being laid down for a nap or bedtime.  I love that he has always been a kid that wants to be held and cuddled.  Since he's our last baby, I'm soaking it all up.  Don't get me wrong, he's all boy and is off and running when the kids are around, but he's always ready to give his momma a hug when she needs one.

7.  This is another item from our craft day, super cute necklace, right?!  It's made with a washer, scrap book paper, and a Mod Podge product that I can't remember the name of.  Every time I wear it I get compliments and I LOVE the color combination.  Love craft day even more!

8.  The big boy and I are going to have it out after school.  He's choosing not to obey a rule, so its time to lay down the law.  Not looking forward to it because I know there will tears.

9.  He came home, we had it out.  He took it better than anticipated.  I'm proud of him and hope a lesson has been learned.

10.  It's so quiet in my house right now.  The younger two are napping and the big boy is in his room doing something with crayons, paper and a few sniffles.

11.  We're having Chili for dinner, I should cut up veggies while the kiddos are quiet.

12.  I started this post at 7:32 this morning.  It took me until 3:46 to finish it.  But hey, at least I finished it, which is more than I can say for a couple other tasks I started today.

Way Back Wednesday

This picture was taken during the spring of 2005.  Our big boy was about the age our daughter is now.  We still see one of the girls in the picture all the time, all the others have moved.  The middle girls in each row are my friend Jenna's daughters.  Even though they're only an hour away, we don't see them much anymore.  It's so sad because when I go back through old pictures, there are so many of the kids together.  They were all such great friends.  We miss them and Jenna.  Hard to believe she's been gone for 2.5 years.

And another taken the following fall at the pumpkin patch.  Barbara, if you're reading this, I'd forgotten how short Ryan was compared to Brianna!

Tuesday Twelve & Giving Thanks

1.  Christmas Decorating has begun at our house!  Lights and greenery are up outside, the tree is up and the mantel is almost done.  I've added white candles along the mantel and will be adding some cricut art soon.  I usually decorate with lots of green and red at this time of year, but I wanted to highlight my new book page wreath and it just came together with muted tones this time.  It's so pretty when all the candles are lit, even without the splash of colors.

2.  The book page wreath was another project from ACD.  I've been wanting to make one forever and just hadn't gotten around to it.  I literally clapped my hands in delight when I saw it was a friend's project for the day.  A couple dollars for supplies, a couple hours of time and you have a gorgeous wreath made from the pages of a thesaurus, a whole lot of glue sticks and a foam form.

3.  Our friend Tilly the Elf arrived Friday morning.  He even brought a book so we could read it to the kids and tell them all about our new friend.  He reports back to the North Pole each night to fill Santa in on if the kids have been naughty or nice, each morning reappearing in a new spot in the house.  The older two have had lots of fun searching out his hiding places each day.

4.  I made comfort food for lunch today.  Grilled cheese, tomato soup and dill pickles.  We were out of margerine so I used real butter.  Yum.  I didn't realize what a difference the butter made.

5.  Black Friday shopping was a success, albeit a few hours later than anticipated.  I ended up getting sick Thanksgiving night, so rather than go shopping I went home and slept for 12 hours.  Got up the next day and decided to brave the crowds for a bit, which meant I'm about half done with Christmas and birthday shopping.

6.  One of our kids has a birthday just a week after Christmas and then another 2 weeks later.  Yikes!

7.  I ordered a Compound Miter Saw for myself for Christmas.  I don't think it's going to make it under the tree, I have plans for it as soon as it arrives!

8.  I am the proud owner of a pair of skinny jeans.  I sit somewhere between an hourglass and pear shape, so if I can wear them anyone can.  You just have to find the right top and boots to accompany them.  Check and Check.  It's been years since I shopped The Gaps jeans, but I'll be back...when I have a coupon.  I'm in need of a serious wardrobe update, thank you Black Friday for helping me take a baby step.

9.  My fridge is empty.  Really need to grocery shop but it's raining and I despise going to the grocery store with small kids when it's raining.  Kids, groceries and especially me are always soaking wet by the time I'm done loading everyone and everything.  Guess I'll be pulling a meal entirely from our freezer and pantry staples tonight.  Hmmm, wonder what it will be....

10.   I love ABW and recurring payments.  I remember the days when you had to write checks for everything.  Paying bills is sooo much faster now.

11.  I'm going to take advantage of E's naptime and try to get some crafting done today.  Hoping the Little Miss cooperates.

12.  I'm thankful for Thanksgiving and the reminder that I can chose to be thankful and focus on all the good things big and small.  That mindfulness can sometimes change a mood, or a day, or how I react to a person or event.  Thankful.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my second dad!  Hope you have a great day, even though you're working.  Knowing you, I'm sure there are lots of people you're working with who will celebrate with you during the quiet moments.  Your gift has been hard for me this year. I'll continue working on it after the kids are in bed and hopefully you'll get it before the new calendar year.  You know it would be a lot easier if we just bought each other gifts.  Wait I take that back, what do you buy the guy that can buy whatever he wants?  Guess this is better.  :)

ILY